'Kate'
I've built a lot of WWII Japanese aircraft but nothing new for a l-o-n-g time. So when a good friend here in NZ (an American ex-pat) announced he was selling off some of his Hasegawa IJN/AF kits, I was first in the queue.
Other than the seat harnesses from masking tape, what you see here is exactly what you get in the box, the aircraft was part of the first wave off Soryu on December 7th 1941. Yes the brown mottle was probably more dense on the actual machine and there is some question as to whether the undersides were unpainted (like this one), painted aluminium dope or grey, but I've used a little artistic license, because why not ?
Build was virtually faultless like so many Hasegawa kits from the 1990's, mnimum amount of filler and sanding needed. Essential IMHO is the Eduard mask set - wouldn't like to guess how much time that saved me !. All the best from NZ, please feel free to ask any questions or make any comments.
Ian.
Well done Ian, your correct with Hase's well equipped interior out of the box. Something they did very well with their series of Japanese Naval aircraft. Having built one these not so long ago. An enjoyable process through out and a fulfilling end result. A note in regard to the undersurfaces in natural metal is a good point, one that is debatable. Before I was aware the scheme of my Kate is overall IJN GreyGreen with a Dk Green mottling over the top, also a Pearl Harbor participant. Thanks for sharing an outstanding model of the Kate.
A wonderful result, Ian!
Looks awesome!
Fantastic!
Nice job, Ian.
Great work Ian!
I wasn't aware the green/brown scheme was used on IJN aircraft, but it just goes to show, there is always something you can learn! Nice choice.
Looks great, Ian, your choice of colour schemes looks as good as anyone else’s.
She's a beauty kit and build, Ian. Nicely done!
Looks great! I like the scheme also.
Well done build, it looks great. I have built one Japanese aircraft, just not my interest area, but I do love seeing interesting and well done aircraft like this one. It looks great, nice weathering on the underside also.
A beautiful Kate, Ian @ij001
Well done.
Sharp work on your Kate!
Beautiful Kate, Ian!
Very well done Kate, looks good!
The overall look of this aircraft is superb!
Wow, thank you all. Really appreciate the feedback and comments. Glad you like the build.
Cheers for now.
Looks great Ian. Cracking scheme too. Nice one 👍